Even though we always stress that Vocera is worthless outside of the hospital, one of the biggest problems in hospitals is asset management. We recommend signing in and out Vocera badges per shift. But this usually lasts for two days after “go live” and is quickly forgotten.

Someone must “own” this piece.

In one hospital the unit secretary is responsible for assigning badges to staff. At the end of a shift, the unit secretaries also collect them. If necessary they broadcast to the whole dept or just call individuals who have not returned them. This seems to work well. In another hospital the ED charge nurse trades Vocera badges for car keys and keeps the keys locked in the same cabinet as the Vocera badges. You can’t take a Vocera badge home if you don’t have your car keys.